Undertaker’s Boneyard Match Breaks Recent Records at WWE SmackDown

Recently, SmackDown put out a heartfelt tribute for The Undertaker. This particular episode was better received than the average Friday Night SmackDown. 

The WWE has been in the midst of a general slump in ratings. This was prevalent even before the global lockdown was enforced.

Many factors like underwhelming talent, dry and cheesy storylines and bad executive decisions have all contributed to the slump. The fact that major talent from WWE has exited has also not helped out in any way either.

However, the recently aired Friday Night SmackDown may have been a sign of change in the near future. The Boneyard Match, between The Undertaker and AJ Styles, which took place at WrestleMania 36 was aired again.

This was a part of the tribute that the WWE had made for The Undertaker, who had announced his retirement.

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The Boneyard Match was Undertaker’s last effort as a pro-wrestler since he has not appeared in the ring since. 

It has been revealed, through viewership statistics, that the first hour of SmackDown had around 2.7 million concurrent viewers. This is an increase from the previous few weeks’ numbers and can be attributed to The Undertaker’s presence.

Undertaker vs AJ Styles pushed viewership numbers?

Moreover, this shows that the fanbase is more interested in good pro-wrestling storytelling, rather than dry, cheesy inconsequential storylines (looking at you, Otis-Mandy Rose fans).

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Another valuable insight provided by WWE analyst Justin LaBar is the fact that this shows the WWE Universe’s obsession with great, cinematic content.

Randy Orton and Edge’s match was also extremely successful this way. During the pandemic, pro-wrestling promotions have accepted cinematic matches, and are making the best use of them.

WWE executives should take this new discovery and use it, considering there is a wave of COVID-19 cases going through WWE. The previous matches should be telecasted, and the regular programming should be put on hold.

The statistics could also be inflated. It could show the numbers it is showing also because of the excellent Boneyard Match. There could be thousands of fans tuning in just to relive AJ Styles and The Undertaker battle it out. 

Whatever the reason may be, the WWE now has the opportunity to catch lightning in a bottle with its archive of matches. This could be used well, to support the WWE in these trying times.